A powerful winter storm is making its way across Ohio, bringing with it bitterly cold temperatures, heavy snow, and treacherous travel conditions. The National Weather Service has issued multiple warnings, urging residents to prepare for subzero wind chills, icy roads, and possible flooding in some areas. Temperatures have already started to plummet, and conditions will continue to worsen as the storm moves through the state. Many areas will see dangerously cold wind chills, with some locations dropping well below zero. Meanwhile, a Flood Warning has been issued for the Ohio River in Cincinnati, where minor flooding is already occurring.
How Cold Will It Get?
Tuesday morning began with frigid temperatures across Ohio, with Columbus waking up to 18°F (-8°C), Cleveland at 16°F (-9°C), and Cincinnati at 20°F (-6°C). However, the real danger comes from the wind chill, which will make it feel much colder.
By Tuesday night, temperatures will drop into the single digits, with some areas experiencing wind chills as low as -10°F (-23°C). The cold snap will continue through the week, with little relief expected until the weekend.
- Columbus: High of 21°F (-6°C) Wednesday, dropping to 14°F (-10°C) overnight.
- Cleveland: High of 20°F (-7°C) Wednesday, with nighttime lows of 16°F (-9°C).
- Cincinnati: Snow in the morning Wednesday, followed by a high of 24°F (-5°C) and a low of 13°F (-10°C).
How Much Snow Will Fall?
Parts of Ohio will see moderate snowfall, with 1 to 3 inches expected in some areas. While not a major blizzard, the cold temperatures will prevent melting, leading to icy roads and hazardous travel conditions. Cleveland and northern Ohio could see more snow accumulation due to lake-effect snow, which may result in reduced visibility and dangerous driving conditions. Meanwhile, the Ohio River in Cincinnati is expected to crest at 55.4 feet by Wednesday evening, causing minor flooding in low-lying areas. Residents should remain vigilant, especially in flood-prone locations.
What to Expect Over the Next Few Days
- Tuesday, February 18: Cloudy and frigid, with highs in the teens and 20s.
- Wednesday, February 19: Snow showers possible in the morning, bitterly cold with highs in the low 20s and wind chills below zero.
- Thursday, February 20: Mostly cloudy, continued cold with highs around 20°F (-7°C).
- Friday, February 21: Sunshine returns, but temperatures remain low, with highs near 28°F (-2°C).
- Saturday, February 22: A slight warm-up begins, with highs near 38°F (3°C).
- Sunday, February 23: Partly cloudy and warmer, highs near 44°F (6°C).
- Monday, February 24: A return to cloudy skies, highs near 46°F (8°C).
How to Stay Safe During the Winter Storm
- Limit Outdoor Exposure – Frostbite can set in within minutes in these temperatures. Dress in multiple layers, cover exposed skin, and wear insulated gloves and hats.
- Avoid Unnecessary Travel – Icy roads and blowing snow will make driving hazardous. If you must drive, keep an emergency kit with blankets, water, and extra supplies.
- Prepare for Power Outages – Heavy snow and ice could cause power failures. Have flashlights, backup batteries, and extra blankets ready.
- Watch for Flooding – With the Ohio River rising, residents in flood-prone areas should be ready to evacuate if necessary.
- Check on Elderly Neighbors and Pets – Ensure they have a warm place to stay and enough supplies to last through the storm.
Ohio is in for a rough stretch of winter weather, with freezing temperatures, snow, and hazardous road conditions making everyday activities difficult. If you haven’t already, now is the time to prepare. While a warming trend is expected by the weekend, the next few days will be brutal. Stay indoors when possible, drive carefully, and be prepared for extreme cold. Ohioans are no strangers to winter weather, but this storm demands extra caution. Stay safe, stay warm, and keep an eye on the latest forecasts as Ohio battles this Arctic blast!